Group Stage of Davis Cup Finals to be Held in September
February 17, 2022
Feb. 17, 2022 — The International Tennis Federation and Kosmos Tennis have announced the group stage of the Davis Cup Finals will take place in September from 2022 onwards. As per the initial changes made to the Davis Cup based on player feedback, the event will be hosted across four cities (previously three), with each staging one group of four teams from 14 – 18 September this year. The Davis Cup Finals, which feature the quarter-finals onwards, will then be held in one yet-to-be-announced venue from 23 – 27 November 2022. The changes address ongoing feedback from players and captains to ease pressure on the schedule while finishing a week earlier than 2021.
David Haggerty, ITF President said, “We are committed to maintaining the traditional elements and atmosphere that make the Davis Cup so unique. At the same time, we’re aware we also need to remain flexible to the needs of nations, players, fans and the game as a whole. We are proud of what we have achieved with the initial changes made to the Davis Cup Finals over the last few years and are committed to the ongoing development of the competition for the benefit of all involved.”
Albert Costa, Tournament Director said, “Players and captains were clear that they like the changes to the format so far, but want to avoid the late finish to the season. The decision to move the group stage to September addresses this, while at the same time continuing the multi-city format of the group stage, and adding a fourth city, ensures even more fans across the world can enjoy the unique Davis Cup atmosphere and support their teams live.”
The multi-city format of the group stage was increased from three host cities to four in 2022, with sixteen teams, split into four groups of four nations. The top two teams from each group will then advance to the knock-out stage of the Davis Cup Finals, which take place in November. The bidding process to become one of the host venues of the group stage is underway, with those selected expected to be announced shortly in March.
The Russian Tennis Federation and Croatia, as finalists in 2021, together with wild cards Serbia and Great Britain, have already secured their place in the 2022 group stage. The remaining 12 nations will need to progress through the upcoming Davis Cup Qualifiers, which take place on a home-and-away basis next month on 4 – 5 March 2022.